Turning Stone: Flesch shows game, personality

Flesch is a refreshing personality, who remains grounded, while also flashing a good sense of humor.

Nick Sardina

Steve Flesch just became a big name in Central New York.

The 40-year old Cincinnati, Ohio, native also has a much fatter wallet after earning a check for $1,080,000 for winning the inaugural Turning Stone Resort Championship at 18-under par.

Flesch is a refreshing personality, who remains grounded, while also flashing a good sense of humor.

He attended the University of Kentucky, and loves trading barbs with his caddie Billy Lewis, who is a fan of Louisville athletics. He didn't hesitate to needle Lewis after Syracuse's big football upset over the Cardinals on Saturday.

Flesch describes himself as a competitive guy who needs a hobby when he's not carving up golf courses around the world. He is a big sports fan, who spends as much time with his wife Lisa and children, Griffin and Lily, as he can when he's home.

Now, Flesch is just one of six two-time winners on the PGA Tour in 2007 - adding
Sunday's win to his victory at the Reno-Tahoe open in early August. The pair of wins doubled his total since turning joining the PGA Tour in 1999.

So, what's made the difference in Flesch's turnaround in 2007?

"I made a lot of changes in my equipment," he said. "I changed iron heads. I went to the new CG Red Cleveland irons. I put Rifle shafts back in my irons, which I used my first three years on Tour. I've changed drivers to another model of Cleveland driver. But the biggest change was the golf ball - I'm playing the Srixon ball now."

Flesch, who has earned $15,025,015 in his career, also started using a long putter.
You can't argue with the results. Flesch has earned $1,990,612 in his last seven events, which include his two victories.